Broke Tail Light - Now What's Wrong?

[Texmac1011]

Lond story short. I broke my license plate light lens (backed into something) and bought a replacement. Best I can tell, the 2 wires going to the light are not hot. The replacement light and the original light (what's left of it)both work when hooked to 12 volts, but neither will work when wired to the bike. The fuse looks fine and the tail lights work. Any ideas?

 

[Roy's Bassets]

One is a ground one is hot. You must have the switch on and or the engine running to have power.hyea:

 

[NancysToy]

One is a ground one is hot. You must have the switch on and or the engine running to have power.hyea:

:agree: The orange wire should be hot when the engine is running. Beyond that, check for a blown fuse, or a damaged wire (usually rubbing on the tire, under the fender)

 

[Texmac1011]

:agree: The orange wire should be hot when the engine is running. Beyond that, check for a blown fuse, or a damaged wire (usually rubbing on the tire, under the fender)

You got it right. I don't have the rear fender off yet, but I feel damaged wires underneath. Guess I should be thankful I didn't damage the fender.

 

[Blinc]

Had similir issue when a car bumped me and mine broke.
Fuse had also blown, replaced that and all was good.